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New, hip barber-slash-bar opens in Rosebank, Johannesburg

The trend of barber shops adjoining drinking holes seems to be taking off in South Africa. First, House of H in Cape Town, and now Bar Ber Blacksheep in Bolton Road, on the corner of Jan Smuts in Rosebank, Johannesburg.

Cocktails are available at the bar. Photo supplied.

The wittily named barber and bar invites whiskey drinking and cigar smoking, with décor styled after the prohibition era and chequered tiles on the floor. The look and feel is completed by apothecary jars in a dark-wooden cabinet, and a mixture of industrial lighting and regal chandeliers that illuminate proceedings.

Leather, chandeliers and exposed brickwork make for a stylish interior. Photo supplied.

The barber here is Mister H, as he’s called in the movie and advertising circles. “I was so desperate to find him I wanted to skywrite H in the sky!” says a relieved customer, who has been reunited with his favourite stylist. Aside from sharp haircuts, real shaves are offered, too, done with cut-throat tools, hot towels and lovely brushes.

The bar serves up draughts and an array of cocktails and mocktails. Photo supplied.

As for drinks, there’s on-the-house coffee or draught beer with your cut. Those not getting their hair done might like to hang out on the lovely leather studded couches, armchairs or barstools around high tables, where they can order infused gin, martini cocktails and mocktails, all made with only natural and actual fruits, as well as beer and whisky.

Cocktails are all made with fresh fruit. Photo supplied.

In the future, guests will also be able to order unusual spirits from the soon-to-be-completed Proof Liquor Boutique next door and, if hunger strikes, pizzas from Coalition, one door along. The Bar Ber Blacksheep barber shop is open from 7am to 7pm, and the bar from 10am to 10 pm or later. (Find lots of parking under the big elephant mural.)

The bar stays open after the barber shop closes at night. Photo supplied.